Abu Dhabi

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Legal Jobs in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the economic powerhouse of the United Arab Emirates; its vast oil reserves have made it one of the richest states in the world. Despite this wealth, the legal sector is smaller and more specialist than in nearby Dubai. Lawyers here will typically work in small teams which are often focused on servicing multinationals in the energy and resources sector. You will work in close collaboration with clients, and Associates will enjoy a level of responsibility that is tough to find in a larger team.

Whilst Abu Dhabi might lack the fast-pace and nightlife of neighbouring Dubai, it blends high-end luxury with a real sense of history and culture to form a more tranquil and relaxed community that many ex-pats, particularly families, really swear by. Life here is good and if you do need to get away, its international airport offers connections across the region meaning you are ideally placed to spend some of your tax-free salary on an exotic weekend break.

Its strong connection to the energy and resources sector adds to the cyclical nature of legal recruitment in Abu Dhabi with demand ranging from fever-pitch to limited, largely dependent on what is happening to the oil market. Lawyers with strong credentials in the energy and resources sector (or an associated practice area) are always likely to find options. Arabic language skills or previous experience of working in the region are an asset but not essential.

For more information on legal jobs in Abu Dhabi get in touch with the international team at Origin Legal. We have been helping lawyers with cross-border career moves since 2000 and we are well versed in dealing with the challenges and potential pitfalls that can arise along the way. To find out more, contact Jason or Charlotte:

Head of International Team
Jason Horobin

Consultant
Charlotte Hooper

Testimonials

Senior Associate

"Jason was one of the most proactive and helpful recruiters I have dealt with. He identified a suitable position in the jurisdiction where I was considering a transfer, which I certainly would have not found on my own. He then made sure that communication with HR was continual and that the recruitment progressed." - Senior Associate, Guernsey

Associate, Guernsey

"Whilst searching for an NQ role, I came across multiple recruitment consultants who were all too willing to push me in to roles that were not suited to me. Jason took the time to truly understand my requirements, listened to my concerns, and importantly, gave frank and honest advice. He went over and above to help me secure my dream job and I genuinely cannot recommend him highly enough." - Associate, Guernsey

Associate, Guernsey

"Jason was incredibly helpful, reliable and proactive.  He put so much thought into enhancing my application and assisting with interview preparation.  He’d promptly seek feedback to share with me as soon as he could, which was very welcome after an interview!  I can’t recommend him and his team enough if you’re looking for a new role as their wealth of experience places you in safe hands." - Associate, Guernsey

Featured Vacancies

High-value commercial litigation & international arbitration work with a global law firm in the UAE. Senior Associate level. Lucrative tax-free salary.

Located in Abu Dhabi this role will suit a senior associate level construction lawyer with at least five years’ relevant experience gained from a good construction law practice.

Not all of our jobs are advertised on our website. We get new jobs on a daily basis and we would be delighted to talk to you in more depth, please pick up the phone or email us.

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Summarise your experience and show how it fits the role with our CV Template

Summarise your experience and show how it fits the role with our NQ CV Template

When it comes to international recruitment, the option to interview over Skype, BlueJeans, or one of the many other online videoconference platforms.

Although it is increasingly commonplace for firms to use videoconferencing at some stage in their international recruitment.

Bringing your CV up to date should be easy shouldn’t it?

Bringing your CV up to date should be easy shouldn’t it?

Good CV’s, and bad, come in all shapes and sizes, and if you ask ten people for advice, they will likely give you ten different answers

If this is your first time interviewing for Partnership or another senior level post you are likely to notice some significant differences.

Some of Our Clients